Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) across the country has been producing 1,900 metric tonnes rice every day.

Rice mills at thirteen BSCIC industrial areas among 76 across the country are producing rice in the country to keep the market stable, said a press release from the Ministry.

Among those, Pabna BSCIC industrial area is producing 600mts rice, Rajshahi 550mts, Dinajpur 400mts, Naogaon 120mts, Khulna 103mts, Kurigram, 27mts, Cox’s Bazar 25mts, Jamalpur 23mts, Gaibandha 20mts, Sherpur 18mts, Rajbari 9mts, Gopalganj 3mts tonnes and Bagerhat BSCIC is producing two metric tonnes of rice every day after maintaining health directives.

Md Kamal Parvez, officer, Pabna BSCIC industrial area, said 39 rice mills are producing 600mts rice worth Tk 2.76 crore are being produced every day.

Meanwhile, Tunnel Vitamin rice in Khulna, rice production for Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF), World Food Programme, Food Friend Programme, and government’s relief programme is ongoing.

Sheikh Riazul Islam, officer, Khulna BSCIC industrial area, said rice from this industrial area is being provided in 30 district including Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat and Jashore. 

Mohammad Ataur Rahman, president, Naogaon BSCIC Industries Malik Samity, said the Boro paddy collection is ongoing. The production will be increased when the collection is completed, he added.

Md Anwarul Azim, officer, Naogaon BSCIC Industrial area, said the government will procure rice from all the BSCIC industrial areas of the country and a contact is already signed with rice mill owners in this regard.

Rice mills at BSCIC industrial areas have been contributing significantly during this coronavirus crisis.

Earlier on April 30, the government announced that it will procure 11.5 lakh metric tonnes of rice (boiled and non-boiled) and eight lakh metric tonnes of paddy during the current Boro season.

Besides, some 10 lakh metric tonnes of boiled rice will be procured at Tk 36 per kg, 1.5 lakh metric tonnes of non-boiled (atap) rice at Tk 35 per kg and six lakh metric tonnes of paddy at Tk 26 per kg from millers.

Meanwhile, the government will also procure 75,000 metric tonnes of wheat from local markets in the season.